Dolbina krikkeni Roesler & Kuppers

Dolbina krikkeni Roesler & Kuppers, 1975, Ent. Zeitschr., 16: 181.

Dolbina inexacta Walker; Holloway, 1976: 32.

Diagnosis

The species is smaller, with narrower, more apically produced forewings than other sphingines, with a prominent pale discal spot, and few longitudinal or oblique dark markings crossing the regular series of fasciae.

The dark markings on the abdomen are somewhat reticulate.

Taxonomic Notes

This species is very close to the Himalayan D. inexacta Walker, having slightly more produced forewings, less widely spaced prongs on the gnathus of the male genitalia, and slight differences in the harpe on the valve.

Aedeagus ornamentation is very similar.

These characteristics show variation within Sundaland so the status of this taxon may have to be modified when more material is available.

Geographical range

Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo.

Habitat preference

The species is montane but rare, taken from 900-2000m on G. Kinabalu, Bukit Retak in Brunei and G. Api in Sarawak.

Biology

The larva of D. inexacta was described and illustrated by Bell & Scott (1937). It is bright green with long white or yellow oblique bands; there is a glaucous suffusion on the dorsum.

The pupa is smerinthine in shape, without a detached tongue-case.

Recorded host-plants (Bell & Scott, 1937) are: Fraxinus, Ligustrum, Linociera, Olea (Oleaceae).

Genitalia: